Expect your child has something to say.

Look and listen for some form of communication: Gestures, eye gaze, pointing, attempts at speech and words. Give the child at least 10 seconds to respond after you have said something or asked a question. Use words within an activity (action) whenever possible.

Acknowledge the child’s speech with repetition and a response:

“You said, ‘Come Mommy.’ Here I come.” Position yourself in the front of the child so that your expressions enhance the communication.

Respond to all communication, even if it seems unintentional.

If your child unwittingly points to the symbol for “thirsty”, respond with, “You said ‘thirsty,’ let’s drink some water,” while pressing the symbols for “thirsty” and “drink.” This will build a sense of competence and self-esteem. Give positive feedback; repeat sounds and words expressed by the child. Take turns speaking.

Be genuine.

Communicate a sincere desire for information. Asking questions the child thinks you already know the answer to — such as “What’s my name? ” — may result in no response or turning away.

Talk aloud to yourself.

Use a different expression and tone for self-talk: “I am walking.” Be direct, use eye-contact when speaking to the child: “you are playing.” Talk about activities as they occur naturally.

Give logical feedback.

Don’t say, “You touched the picture.” Do say, “You said ‘eat.'” Reinforce the communication by pressing the “eat” symbol and follow up by offering something to eat.

Use 100 word communication board daily and listen to what your child has to say.

Have fun.

Using the 100 words is not a game, but it should seem like one. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy the magic of seeing — and hearing — a child learn to talk.

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Talk To Me 100

Sydspeak Inc. introduces Talk To Me 100, a powerful engaging tool for children who are learning to talk, or who have difficulty mastering verbal expression. An interactive teaching device, Talk To Me 100 allows the child - by pressing buttons - to see words, hear words, understand their meaning and experience the joy of communication.